University of British Columbia masters student Rumana Monzur is receiving medical treatment in Vancouver but further procedures will be required to determine how much, if any, of her sight can be restored.
Since Monzur’s arrival in Vancouver, she has had three surgeries. The damage to her left eye has been determined to be catastrophic. It is still not known whether there is any possibility of vision in the other eye. Monzur will undergo further surgery this week.
EDITORS: Monzur has authorized the release of this medical information. She is not available for comment and we cannot provide any further medical details at this time. Vice President of Students, pro-tem Louise Nasmith is available to comment on UBC’s and students’ efforts to support Monzur.
Compelled to show support for Monzur as she undergoes treatment, UBC students are running fundraisers and holding events to raise awareness about violence against women.
“I am so grateful to everyone for their support, it gives me so much hope,” said Monzur, who is being treated at Vancouver General Hospital. “Once my doctors and I know more about the condition of my eyes, I hope to update everyone who has been so kind to me.”
Monzur’s eyes were damaged in early June when she was severely beaten in an attack in Bangladesh. The damage to Monzur’s eyes was extensive, making the medical care complex. Her husband has been accused of the attack.
“To everyone who has been thinking of me or praying for me – thank you for your support and goodwill,” said Monzur.
When it became evident that Monzur might benefit from further medical care in Canada, UBC actively supported efforts to bring her to Vancouver. Monzur arrived in Canada on July 5, accompanied by her father, and began medical treatment immediately. Monzur’s daughter and mother are expected to arrive in Vancouver soon.
“I am just waiting for my daughter to arrive,” said Monzur. “My daughter is eagerly waiting to get to me and she is actually counting her days.”
UBC is collecting donations to help support Monzur and her family as she undergoes medical treatment. UBC has received more than $58,000 and has set a fundraising goal of $70,000 to cover health needs, living expenses and costs related to Monzur completing her studies.
In addition to the support received from the broader community, UBC students have been eager to help Monzur. Students are organizing fundraisers and have launched campaigns to stop violence against women.
“There is a strong feeling among UBC students that they want to standby and show their support for a member of their community,” says Louise Nasmith, Vice President of Students, pro-tem. “The university is overwhelmed by this response. We are so proud of the creative and constructive ways our students have found to help Rumana.”
In addition to initial fundraising activities, a student-run rally to fight violence against women and a debate about violence against women, UBC students have also organized these events:
- Toonies for Rumana – Undergraduate students in an argumentative and academic writing class are writing letters to press the Bangladesh government on issues of violence against women and justice. They have also placed glass jars around campus to collect money to contribute to UBC’s fundraising efforts.
Contact: Gillian Jerome, instructor of English 112 class
Phone: 604-253-4620
Email: gillian.jerome@ubc.ca
- High tea fundraiser – The UBC Indian Students Association (ISA) and the UBC chapter of SEWA are organizing a fundraiser and awareness event on July 16, to support equal education opportunities for women. The event will include a high tea with snacks, a performance and speakers will address the obstacles many women face in their pursuit of education. Speakers include Stephen Owen, UBC Vice President External, Legal and Community Relations, UBC political science professors Allen Sens and Peter Dauvergne and novelist Kamal Dhillon.
Contact: Vinita Banthia, President of ISA
Email: vinita.banthia@gmail.com
- Ramadan dinner fundraiser – The Muslim Students Association (MSA) will be holding a fundraising dinner on August 12, to coincide with Ramadan. Ramadan is the holy month in which Muslims fast and it is also the month of helping and connecting with friends, relatives and members of society in need. Last year, MSA raised $30,000 to fund relief efforts for the floods in Pakistan. This year MSA will dedicate its efforts to support Monzur.
Contact: Aiman Erbad, Muslim Students Association
Phone: 778-316-2146
Email: aerbad@cs.ubc.ca
- Contribution from Graduate Student Society – The Graduate Student Society (GSS) has donated $1,000 to help support Monzur.
Contact: Jamie Paris, GSS VP Academic & External Affairs
Phone: 778-866-7867
Email: vpexternal@gss.ubc.ca
For more information about Monzur or to make a donation, please visit: www.ubc.ca/helprumana.
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